Hi, I’m Sarah Thompson, IELTS Writing tutor and examiner.
One of the secrets to achieving a high band score in IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 is mastering Useful Letter Phrases & Vocabulary.
Examiners don’t just mark your grammar — they look for natural, appropriate, and varied vocabulary that matches the tone (formal, semi-formal, or informal).
In this guide, I’ll share functional phrases, collocations, and topic-based vocabulary that will help you sound fluent and confident in every type of IELTS letter.
In the IELTS marking criteria, Lexical Resource means:
✅ Example:
I am writing to complain about → Formal
I just wanted to say sorry about → Informal
Choosing the wrong phrase for the tone can drop your score from Band 8 to Band 6.
Let’s review useful expressions for each section of your letter.
|
Section |
Formal |
Semi-Formal |
Informal |
|
Opening |
I am writing to inform you that… / I would like to bring to your attention… |
I’m writing to let you know that… / I wanted to ask about… |
Hi! Hope you’re doing great. / How have you been? |
|
Purpose |
I am writing in connection with… / I would appreciate information on… |
I’m getting in touch regarding… / Could you please tell me… |
I just wanted to ask you about… / Do you remember when…? |
|
Body (giving details) |
The issue has persisted since… / According to your policy… |
The problem started last week… / It would help if you could… |
You won’t believe what happened… / It’s been crazy lately! |
|
Request / Action |
I would be grateful if you could… / Please arrange for… |
Would you mind helping me with… / Could you possibly… |
Can you do me a favour and… / Any chance you could…? |
|
Closing |
I look forward to your response. / Yours faithfully, |
Thanks so much for your time. / Best regards, |
Write soon! / Take care, / Love, |
✅ Band 9 Tip: Don’t mix tones — use expressions consistently within one letter.
🔹 Making a Request
|
Function |
Examples |
|
Asking politely |
I would appreciate it if you could… / Could you please… |
|
Seeking permission |
Would it be possible to… / Do you mind if I…? |
|
Offering options |
Perhaps you could consider… / Would you be able to…? |
✅ Example (Band 8 Formal):
I would appreciate it if you could confirm the delivery date before Friday.
🔹 Giving Information
|
Function |
Examples |
|
Reporting facts |
The event will take place on… / The meeting has been postponed until… |
|
Explaining reasons |
This happened because… / Due to unforeseen circumstances… |
|
Describing issues |
The heating system has stopped working. / The service was below expectations. |
✅ Example (Semi-Formal):
The leak in the ceiling started last night, and it’s getting worse every hour.
🔹 Expressing Apology
|
Formality |
Examples |
|
Formal |
Please accept my sincere apologies for… / I regret any inconvenience caused. |
|
Semi-Formal |
I’m really sorry about… / Please forgive me for… |
|
Informal |
Sorry I couldn’t make it! / I feel terrible about missing your party. |
✅ Example (Band 9 Informal):
Sorry I didn’t call earlier — I lost track of time completely!
🔹 Making a Complaint
|
Formality |
Examples |
|
Formal |
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with… / I wish to complain about… |
|
Semi-Formal |
I’m not happy with… / I’d like to bring this issue to your attention. |
|
Informal |
I was so disappointed about… / You wouldn’t believe how bad it was! |
✅ Example (Band 9 Formal):
I wish to complain about the poor service I received at your restaurant last Saturday.
🔹 Giving Thanks
|
Formality |
Examples |
|
Formal |
I would like to express my gratitude for… / Thank you for your assistance. |
|
Semi-Formal |
Thanks a lot for your help. / I really appreciate your support. |
|
Informal |
Thanks so much! / You’re the best! |
✅ Example (Band 8 Semi-Formal):
Thanks so much for helping me move last weekend — it made everything so much easier!
🔹 Making Suggestions
|
Formality |
Examples |
|
Formal |
May I suggest that… / It might be advisable to… |
|
Semi-Formal |
Perhaps you could… / I’d recommend… |
|
Informal |
Why don’t we…? / How about…? |
✅ Example (Band 8 Formal):
It might be advisable to install CCTV cameras in the parking area.
🔹 Expressing Feelings or Opinions
|
Formality |
Examples |
|
Formal |
I believe that… / It seems to me that… |
|
Semi-Formal |
I think that… / In my opinion… |
|
Informal |
I feel like… / You know what I think? |
✅ Example (Band 9 Semi-Formal):
I think the new policy will benefit both employees and management
Travel & Accommodation
Work & Employment
Education
Health & Safety
✅ Band 8 Tip: Use collocations, not single words.
→ make a complaint, apply for a refund, attend a meeting, face a delay
|
Informal Word |
Formal Alternative |
|
help |
assistance |
|
ask |
request / inquire |
|
fix |
repair / resolve |
|
tell |
inform / notify |
|
get |
receive / obtain |
|
start |
commence / begin |
|
buy |
purchase |
|
say sorry |
apologise |
✅ Example:
I’m writing to request assistance with the faulty air conditioner in my room.
|
Expression |
Meaning / Use |
|
It’s been ages! |
Long time since we last spoke |
|
Guess what? |
To introduce good news |
|
You’d love it here! |
Enthusiastic description |
|
Can’t wait to see you! |
Friendly closing |
|
It made my day! |
Expressing happiness |
✅ Band 9 Tip: Use one or two idioms naturally — never force them into formal letters.
Rewrite the sentences below using more natural or appropriate expressions:
1️⃣ Please send me the details soon. → I would be grateful if you could send me the details at your earliest convenience.
2️⃣ I’m not happy about the delay. → I wish to express my dissatisfaction with the delay.
3️⃣ Hope you’re fine. → Hope you’re doing great!
Before finishing your letter:
If yes, you’re writing like a Band 8+ candidate.
Building your own library of Useful Letter Phrases & Vocabulary is essential for writing natural, high-scoring responses.
Keep a notebook of your favourite expressions and practise using them across formal, semi-formal, and informal contexts.
Next, move on to Common Letter Topics to practise applying these phrases in real IELTS-style questions.
You can also revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills or view official vocabulary advice on IELTS.org
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